Russian Forces Massed Along Ukraine Border ‘Exceptionally Capable,’ Pentagon Concerned
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iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — The Pentagon expressed concern on Thursday about the growing — and strengthening — numbers of Russian forces fighting inside the borders of Ukraine, as well as those massed along the border between the two countries.
Pentagon Spokesman Col. Steve Warren said Thursday that the mass of forces within Ukraine could number between 1,000 and 2,000. That comes just one day after Russian President Vladimir Putin denied talk of a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine, pointing blame to pro-Russia rebels by saying that Russia was not a party to the conflict.
Additionally, Warren noted that the Russian troops stationed along the border between the two nations are significantly stronger and more capable than those that had been gathered earlier this year. The Pentagon said that the number of troops along the border is “north of 10,000,” though NATO has indicated that it could be much higher than that.
“The force that we see arrayed along the border is exceptionally capable,” Warren said, “probably more capable, more lethal than anything that we’ve seen until now.” He noted that the “capable combined arms force” is believed to be armed with field artillery, air defenses, rockets and combat support.
On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Putin discussed the steps that would be required to reach a cease-fire.
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